Doktorand i biofysik och nanobioteknik

Welcome to Linnaeus University! A place for knowledge, ideas and development. For growth potential and a belief in the future. In Småland and in the world.Formal research area: Biomedical Sciences

Research in biomedical sciences and biotechnology at Linnaeus University is performed within the Faculty of Health and Life Sciences where strong research areas include molecular biophysics and biotechnology, the focal points of the current project.

The project is a part of long-term interdisciplinary efforts to 1. clarify the role, in health and disease, of cooperative phenomena in heart and skeletal muscle and 2. lay the foundations for use of muscle proteins in nanotechnologcial applications, particularly in biosensing and biocomputation. The specific aims of the PhD project will be to: 1. Investigate cooperative structural changes involving actin filaments and myosin motors upon binding of different types of these interaction partners to each other (collaboration with G Tsiavaliaris, Hannover, H Linke, Lund and others), 2. Exploit the insights for optimized antibody-, and aptamer-conjugation of actin filaments in biosensing (collaboration with S Kumar, New Delhi and H Linke, Lund) and optimized use of the system in biocomputation (collaboration with Linke, Lund). The work will be performed mainly in Kalmar but frequent visits to labs of collaborators are expected. The project may either have experimental or theoretical focus. In the latter case, the actomyosin interaction will be simulated kinetically either for large or small ensembles (using Monte-Carlo approaches) Furthermore polymer dynamics and structural molecular modelling will be relevant. In the case of experimental focus, key techniques will be fluorescence microscopy, in vitro motility assay studies and fluorescence spectroscopy

Applicants should have a Master degree (240hp/240ECTS) in a subject area of relevance for the project (chemistry, biology, physics etc depending on major focus). Previous, well-documented experience of research work using fluorescence microscopy is considered favourable in the case of experimental focus. Previous experience from use of software such as Mat lab and different molecular modeling tools is considered favorable in the case of theoretical focus. Generally, previous studies of molecular motors are judged favorably. Basic prerequisites are laid out in the Swedish Higher Education Ordinance (Högskoleförordningen), Chapter 5 and 7.

Terms of employment: The vacancy is a fully funded full-time four years appointment with the objective to obtain a PhD.

Placement location: Kalmar

More information from: Group leader, Professor Alf Månsson (alf.mansson@lnu.se).  See also: http://lnu.se/personal/alf.mansson or Personnel officer Ulrika Petersson, +46 480 44 69 96, e-mail ulrika.petersson@lnu.se

Applicants should submit CV, documentations of exams, copy of Master thesis and reprints if available. A short motivation (The application has to be registered no later than June 1 2014. Ref: PA 2014/240-2.2.1
Please apply by clicking on the "Apply" button at the bottom of the ad. The credentials you invoke must be verified with certification and they must be attached digitally in your application. The application and other documents to be marked with the reference number. All documents cited must be received by the University no later than 24.00 on the closing day.